Healers and Protective Medicine in Botswana

Journal of Third World Studies, Fall 1997 by Samita, Zacharia Wanakacha

The last chapter concentrates on the achievement of good health through belief in God, the supreme healer. God enables some individuals within society to use herbs, psychic power, prayer, and other methods to heal the sick. In traditional methods of healing in Botswana, religion is an important part of medical practice, and to fully understand the health profession in the country, it is necessary to recognize the role played by religion. The chapter concludes that how individuals relate to others, religion, and positive thinking form the foundation for good health. The authors provide an excellent examination of the relationship between African traditional methods of healing and modern medicine. They also provide an insight into how each approach has learned from the other.

Although there are several editing errors in the text, the research is well done and the book represents an important contribution to the scholarship on health and medicine in Africa. It is highly recommended to students of African studies in general, and sociologists in particular.

Perhaps, the authors should have included in their work an explanation for the apparent discrepancy between the discussed African holistic view of well-being and the generally demeaning health and medical standards and realities that characterize most the continent today.

REFERENCES

Byaruhanga-Akiiki, A.B.T., "The Theology of Medicine," Journal of African Religion and Philosophy, 2 (2), 1991, pp. 23-33.

Eboussi, F., "Le christianisme comme maladie et comme guerison." In Hebga, M. (ed.), Croyance et guerison (Yaounde: Editions CLE, 1973), pp. 127-146.

Hebga, M., "Efcacite su,bp;oqie et gierospm." In Hebga, M. (ed.), Croyance et guerison (Yaounde: Editions CLE, 1973), pp. 41-54.

Hetsen, J., "The Church Vis-a-Vis Sickness in Africa." In Hetsen, J. and Wanjohi, R. (eds.), Anointing and Healing in Africa (Eldoret, Kenya: Gaba Publications, 1982), pp. 27-57.

Imasogie, O., Guidlines for Christian Theology in Africa (Achimota, Ghana: African Christian Press, 1983.